Japan

Five Quick Points About Japan

• Fascinating blend of very old and very modern cultures and art forms
• One of world’s best-educated and most literate populations
• Cutting-edge research and technology facilities in many schools
• Welcoming environment currently for foreign students given government emphasis on increasing international student numbers
• Stunning environmental as well as cultural attractions

Location and Geography
Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. In terms of size (377,835 square kilometres), Japan is nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined, or slightly smaller than the U.S. state of California. Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. The country’s topographical features include coastlines with varied scenery, towering, often volcanic mountains, forests, and valleys. The capital city is Tokyo.

Climate
The combination of Japan’s mountainous territory and the length of the archipelago results in a complex climate. Most of the country is located in the northern temperate zone, which yields four distinct seasons. In addition, there are significant climatic differences between Hokkaido in the north, which has short summers and lengthy winters with heavy snowfalls, and the southern islands, such as Okinawa in the south, which enjoy a subtropical climate. Japan’s topographical features include coastlines with varied scenery, towering often volcanic mountains, and twisted valleys that invite visitors into the mysterious world of nature.

Living Conditions and Cost of Living
Japan is a relatively expensive place to study for international students. Living costs (especially in Tokyo) are notorious for being among the world’s highest. However, students living outside of central Tokyo who adjust to a Japanese lifestyle and do not depend too heavily on food and products from their home countries (and who don’t eat out too much) will find Japan much more affordable. The general cost of living and accommodation varies depending on where students choose to stay.

Education System
Education is taken seriously in Japan, and the education system is in fact credited as a major factor in Japan’s recovery after World War II.

All Japanese must attend elementary and lower-secondary (middle school) levels; most choose public schools at these levels. While they aren’t compelled to, almost all students progress to the upper-secondary (high school) level, which is voluntary; at this level, private schools become a more popular option (as they do at the post-secondary level as well).

Students can enrol in one of five types of institutions of higher learning: universities (undergraduate courses), graduate schools, junior colleges, special training colleges (post-secondary courses), and colleges of technology.

There are about 765 universities in Japan, including national, public, and private ones. The best/popular national institutions are famously tough to get into. Applying for them entails two exams: a standard exam given by the National Center for University Entrance examinations and the university-specific exam administered by each school. Many students who do not get into the university of their choice wait till the following year to try again with the exams.

Recent years have also seen the ascendance of private educational institutes, many of which now rival national universities in prestige and popularity.